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The distribution, relative abundance and diversity of echinoderms in the eastern English Channel, Bristol Channel, and Irish Sea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2000

J.R. Ellis
Affiliation:
CEFAS, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, England
S.I. Rogers
Affiliation:
CEFAS, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, England
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Abstract

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The distribution and relative abundance of macroepibenthic echinoderms in the eastern English Channel and Irish Sea is described from beam trawl catches. Echinoderms accounted for approximately 29% (by biomass) of fauna captured. A total of 24 species were recorded, including 12 species of starfish. The most frequently encountered species were Asterias rubens and Psammechinus miliaris, which were recorded at 85.5% and 56.0% of stations respectively. Asterias rubens and Ophiothrix fragilis accounted for 63.7% and 25.5% (by biomass) respectively of the echinoderms sampled. Mean echinoderm catches ranged from 0.8-kg h−1 in the north-eastern English Channel to 329-kg h−1 in the south-eastern Irish Sea. The echinoderm fauna was more diverse in the St George's Channel and western Irish Sea (6.7–7.0 species haul−1) than in the north-eastern English Channel (1.9 species haul−1).

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2000 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom